was not wise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not wise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a particular action or decision lacked wisdom or sound judgment. Example: "Investing all his savings in that failing business was not wise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It was not wise.

The Guardian

It was not wise to get in their way.

The New York Times - Arts

I decided that it was not wise to return.

The New Yorker

In hindsight, it was not wise to put all of the city's eggs in one basket.

The New York Times

But there were those who felt that trying him while the country was at war was not wise.

The New York Times

After Topalov's thrust with 9 g4, Quinn decided that castling kingside in the teeth of Topalov's attack was not wise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"Maybe it wasn't wise".

The New York Times

In my case, I still wasn't wise.

The New York Times

But this wasn't wise at all.

BBC

"They are not wise".

The New York Times

Appeasing them is not wise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was not wise" to express disapproval or disagreement with a past action or decision, emphasizing the lack of good judgment. For variety, consider using synonyms like "unwise" or "imprudent."

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of passive constructions like "was not wise" can make your writing sound less direct. Consider rephrasing to use active voice when appropriate for a more impactful statement. For example, instead of "It was not wise to ignore the warnings", try "Ignoring the warnings was unwise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not wise" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing a judgment that a particular action or decision lacked good sense or prudence. Ludwig examples show this is often used in retrospect to critique past behavior or choices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not wise" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a past action lacked good judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and offers alternatives like "was unwise" or "was imprudent". Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to convey disapproval or caution. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential overuse of passive voice and consider active alternatives for a more direct impact. As the examples show, it's often used in retrospect to evaluate past decisions and offer implicit guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unwise

A more concise and direct synonym.

was not prudent

Focuses on the absence of careful and wise behavior.

was not sensible

Highlights a lack of practical wisdom and reason.

was ill-advised

Highlights that the action went against good counsel or recommendations.

was not judicious

Emphasizes the lack of careful deliberation and sound judgment.

was imprudent

Emphasizes a lack of foresight and careful consideration.

was injudicious

Stresses a lack of sound judgment.

was short-sighted

Focuses on the lack of consideration for long-term consequences.

was a mistake

Indicates an error in judgment or action.

was a blunder

Suggests a significant and often embarrassing mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "was not wise" in a sentence?

You can use "was not wise" to express that a past action or decision lacked good judgment. For instance, "Investing all his money in that venture "was not wise"".

What are some alternatives to saying "was not wise"?

Alternatives include "was unwise", "was imprudent", or "was ill-advised". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was not wise" or "was unwise"?

Both are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. "Was unwise" is more concise, while "was not wise" can sometimes add emphasis or a slightly more formal tone, depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "was not wise"?

Use "was not wise" when you want to politely, but firmly, express that a decision or action lacked wisdom or good judgment. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts where tact is important.